Manchester United have racked up a mixed bag of results since the new season got underway.
Having lost 1-0 to Arsenal on the opening day of the Premier League despite playing admirably, Ruben Amorim’s team disappointed in their 1-1 draw with Fulham, not to mention their embarrassing EFL Cup exit at the hands of Grimsby Town.
While Man United grabbed their first win of the season against Burnley yesterday, it’s clear that they appear far from comfortable on the ball.
Perhaps the biggest reason for this is Amorim’s adamance on using his preferred 3-4-2-1 formation no matter what.
The problem with Amorim’s formation
Following United’s loss to Grimsby, former player Phil Jones and Jobi McAnuff both ripped into Amorim’s tactical choices, including his refusal to change his formation after putting on a handful of substitutes who were forced to play out of position.
Still, even if he had adjusted his formation, it appears that there are several vulnerable points that need to be addressed.
First of all, with a 3-4-2-1, the wing-backs are given the massive responsibility of covering the entire flank. Sure the number 10s on either side can assist them, but it is still the wing-backs who are required to run the length of the pitch to be where they are required both offensively and defensively.
On the left, Patrick Dorgu appears to be greatly struggling. His 76% passing accuracy leaves a lot to be desired, especially when it comes to his 64% accuracy in the opposition half. Still, it’s difficult to blame him, seeing as he is required to do plenty of running and is bound to be overextended on occasion.
On the right, we see Amad Diallo receive the responsibility of wing-back. A natural winger, this is a deeper role than he is used to, and it shows. He has averaged two tackles per game, paling in comparison to his contemporaries such as Arsenal’s Jurrien Timber (three tackles per game) and Liverpool’s Dominik Szoboszlai (2.5 tackles per game).
Because he is not a natural defender, this is understandable.
The next issue is that having three centre-backs seems to be overkill. Not only are United still leaking goals (although many have been the result of poor goalkeeping), but it could make more sense to have two centre-backs only so as to bolster the midfield, with more defensive-minded midfielders dropping back when needed.
Fortunately, there is an easy fix to this inefficient setup.
The solution
Amorim should experiment with a fresh formation, namely the 4-2-1-3.
This could see the likes of Leny Yoro and Matthijs de Ligt as centre-backs, with Luke Shaw, Harry Maguire, and Ayden Heaven assisting where necessary.
At left-back will be Dorgu, who may find life easier as he will no longer be required to cover the length of the pitch on his own, seeing as he will have a winger to assist him. Shaw could also fill in here as necessary, given that it is his primary position.
On the right, a natural defender could play as opposed to Amad. This could be either Diogo Dalot or Noussair Mazraoui. Still, Amad could fill in if Amorim chooses.
Using this formation, United’s midfield would consist of two centre-mids. These could be Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro, or perhaps the likes of Manuel Ugarte or Kobbie Mainoo.
Next up will be the CAM. Mason Mount is ideal for this position, while the likes of Joshua Zirkzee can also fill in here. Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo are both versatile forwards who could play here if need be, while Mainoo is an attacking-minded midfielder who also emerges as a suitable option.
Mbeumo and Cunha would almost certainly be the wingers, while up front would be Benjamin Sesko, a physically imposing striker capable of being the target man inside the box.
Below is a potential lineup that United could use should they opt for the 4-2-1-3:
A 4-2-1-3 formation would be highly suitable for United, with many players being well-suited to filling several roles in this setup.
Ultimately, it is a formation that will provide far more support on the wings while also ensuring that United’s midfield is well-covered.
Should Amorim be willing to change things up and bring an end to his team being stretched thin, especially on the wings, then a switch to the 4-2-1-3 formation would be well worth considering.
Featured image Carl Recine via Getty Images
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Mathew Cohen
A faithful Manchester United supporter, Mathew has worked as a football writer and analyst for SB Nation, FanSided, and now The Peoples Person. Mathew’s heroes include David Beckham, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Sir Alex Ferguson, all of whom played their part in creating some special childhood memories.
